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Google Steps Up Online Security

Security online is becoming increasingly important for consumers and as such it is a big focus for companies as well as they want to ensure users that they can be trusted with their data.

When the iCloud accounts of many celebrities were hacked back in September, many security specialists said it could have been avoided by implementing a 2-step verification process.

Google has now taken it a step further. They already had 2-step verification where you had to send a code from your phone to proof your identity.

Today the company announced Security Key, a physical USB second factor that only works after verifying the login site is truly a Google website, not a fake site pretending to be Google. Rather than typing a code, just insert Security Key into your computer’s USB port and tap it when prompted in Chrome. When you sign into your Google Account using Chrome and Security Key, you can be sure that the cryptographic signature cannot be phished.

The additional security feature is free but you will need to buy a FIDO compatible USB drive. You can find them on Amazon.